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Nate Burleson hoping to show Cleveland he can fight off Father Time

BEREA, Ohio – Nate Burleson turned 33 Tuesday. The 12th-year wide receiver needs to turn back the clock Saturday night in his Cleveland Browns debut when the Browns host the St. Louis Rams in their third

The 12th-year wide receiver needs to turn back the clock Saturday night in his Cleveland Browns debut when the Browns host the St. Louis Rams in their third preseason game -- the regular-season dress rehearsal when starters typically see their final exhibition action.

In some ways, Burleson is under as much pressure to step up his game as newly-anointed starting quarterback Brian Hoyer.

A strained hamstring has limited Burleson to riding an exercise bike on the practice-field sideline since Aug. 6. Burleson, who caught passes under the supervision of the team's training staff Thursday, said the plan is to start knocking off rust against the Rams.

Time to see if a sure-handed target with 457 receptions and 39 career touchdowns can help kick start an out-of-rhythm passing attack marred by inaccurate throws from Hoyer and Johnny Manziel, dropped passes and no first-team offensive touchdown.

With the Browns still awaiting word on a potential one-year-or-less suspension of star receiver Josh Gordon for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, Burleson needs to inspire more confidence in a receiving group that has raised concern in two sloppy preseason outings.

"The first impression for me is a big deal," Burleson said. "I look at that two ways: If I go out there and I'm healthy and I do well, it's going to be a great first impression for me with the fans. But if I'm 80%, then, that might not be the best impression.

"I want to give Cleveland what they deserve, and that's Nate at 100%."

Cleveland added Burleson, who spent the last four seasons with the Detroit Lions, former Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin and ex-Cincinnati Bengals slot receiver Andrew Hawkins. The Browns hope to bolster a receiving corps headlined by Gordon, who led the league with 1,646 yards.

When healthy, Burleson was a viable second option to Lions superstar Calvin Johnson. The former 2003 Minnesota Vikings third-round pick is one of five receivers who has recorded at least one receiving touchdown each season from 2003-2013

But Burleson is coming off two injury-marred seasons having missed seven games last season with a fractured forearm that required a second offseason surgery.

"I want to play because that's what I get paid to do," said Burleson, who signed a one-year, $1 million deal. "They brought me here for a reason and that's to add a spark plug to this offense and make plays when the ball is thrown to me. And then after that, I'm new here. So no new guy wants to be on the sideline. And I know that firsthand."

Burleson told a Lions beat reporter last week he is mulling retirement after this season. Asked if the mindset is still the case, Burleson said, "I don't know. The plan is to go out there and be the best 33-year-old wide receiver, make plays, put up some numbers and then make the decision from there."

Burleson needs to begin proving against the Rams that the Browns should remain committed to him.

"They cut the check for me to come out here and make plays and be a leader, and it's tough for me to do that on the sideline," Burleson said. "Hopefully, I can just get out on the field, give you guys a taste of what I'm about before the season starts, and then, hit the ground running for 16 games."

The crafty veteran was energized by how well he looked going against a pair of talented young cornerbacks in 2013 Pro Bowler Joe Haden and first-round rookie Justin Gilbert earlier in training camp.

"It gave me a lot of confidence," Burleson said. "So when I mentioned that (retirement), it was more about me writing the perfect ending to this movie. And that's playing a tremendous season, giving Cleveland what they've always wanted in their football team, which is a team they can be proud of -- and then walking off into the sunset."